RC2 to Build New Bob Toys

RC2 to Build New Bob Toys

RC2 Corp. has been awarded a license to produce a broad new line of Bob the Builder preschool toys under its Learning Curve brand. The product line, based on HIT Ent.s recently announced animated TV series The New Adventures of Bob the Builder, will begin shipping in 2005.

The new show will be produced by HOT Animation in Manchester, England, and will be supported by significant marketing investment, fully integrated Internet "play-along" capability, publishing, toys and home entertainment. These will be rolled out simultaneously in multiple markets including the U.S. Bob the Builder, according to HIT, "is ranked consistently number one, two, or three among all preschool characters in awareness and likeability among children in countries all over the world."

HIT controls all rights to such childrens properties as Angelina Ballerina, Barney, Kipper, Pingu and Thomas & Friends. Rubbadubbers, a new HIT-produced series, made its U.S. broadcast debut on Nick Jr. in September 2003. HIT also distributes The Wiggles to the U.S. and Canada.